End of life care

About this end of life care guide

This guide is for people who are approaching the end of their life. Some parts of it may also be useful for people who are caring for someone who is dying, or people who want to plan in advance for their end of life care.

It explains what you can expect from end of life care, including palliative care to control pain and other symptoms and to offer psychological, social and spiritual support.

You can also find information about your rights and choices, including refusing treatment, setting down your wishes for your future treatment, and how to give someone the legal right to make decisions for you if you are no longer capable.

This guide also contains information about talking to your family and carers about dying and about your wishes.